NEW YORK – Texas Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler will appeal his one-game suspension, imposed Tuesday for taking part in an on-field celebration after being ejected.
Kinsler also was fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball. The penalty was set to take effect for Tuesday night's game against the Detroit Tigers, but Kinsler remained in the lineup pending a resolution.
Kinsler was ejected last Friday night against the New York Yankees in the 10th inning after arguing with home plate umpire Dale Scott on a called third strike. Players who get tossed are not allowed back on the field, and Kinsler came back from the clubhouse to celebrate after Nelson Cruz hit a winning homer in the 13th inning.
"It is what it is, it's rules," Kinsler said. "I think it's a little bit harsh, but we'll decide that later."
Kinsler assumed that because the game was finished, he would not be prohibited from returning to the field.
"I've never been in that situation before," Kinsler said. "I kind of understood (the rule) to an extent, but I figured the game was over and I wanted to go on the field and celebrate with my teammates."
Kinsler is a two-time All-Star who's missed much of the season because of injuries. He's hitting .294 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs for the AL West-leading Rangers.
Texas manager Ron Washington said that if the appeal is denied, it would give Kinsler a late-season one-game break.
"If he has to serve it, it'll be like a day off. It's only one day," Washington said.
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